Report the theft to your state's DMV when ready

Call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or visit their website to report the stolen license. Most states have a dedicated phone line or online form for this. You will need to provide your license number (if you remember it), your name, date of birth, and the date you discovered it was missing. The DMV will flag your license in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently.

Reporting to the DMV is separate from reporting to police — do both. The DMV report protects you from someone using your license as identification to open accounts or commit crimes in your name. It also starts the process of getting a replacement license issued.

File a police report

Contact your local police department's non-emergency line (not 911) and file a report for the stolen license. You do not need to go to the station in person for most jurisdictions — many allow you to file online or by phone. Provide the same information you gave the DMV: your name, license number, date of birth, and when you last had it.

A police report creates an official record that the license was stolen, not lost. This matters if someone uses it fraudulently. Keep the report number — you may need it if fraudulent charges or accounts appear later in your name.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state DMV by phone or online within the same day you discover the theft to flag your license in their system.
  • File a police report with your local non-emergency line to create an official record of the theft, separate from the DMV report.
  • Request a replacement license from the DMV, which usually costs between $15 and $50 depending on your state and how quickly you need it.
  • Monitor your credit reports and bank accounts for fraudulent activity, and place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus if you see suspicious charges.
  • If someone uses your stolen license to get a ticket or commit a crime, bring copies of your police report and DMV report to court or to the relevant agency.

Order a replacement license

After reporting to the DMV, ask about replacement options. Most states let you order a replacement online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The cost varies by state — typically between $15 and $50. Some states charge extra for expedited processing if you need the license within a few days rather than two to three weeks.

You will need to provide proof of identity for the replacement. Acceptable documents usually include a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list before you go, because requirements vary. If your stolen license was your only form of ID, you may need to gather documents ahead of time.

Monitor your credit and bank accounts

A stolen driver's license is a tool for identity theft. Someone with your license, name, and date of birth can attempt to open credit cards, take out loans, or make fraudulent charges. Check your bank and credit card statements weekly for the next few months for charges you did not make.

Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is free. Look for accounts you did not open. If you spot fraud, contact the creditor when ready and file a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. You can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, which makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

What to do if your stolen license is used fraudulently

If you discover that someone used your stolen license to get a traffic ticket, open an account, or commit a crime, gather your police report and DMV report. Contact the relevant agency — the court that issued the ticket, the creditor that opened the account, or the police department investigating the crime — and provide copies of both reports.

Explain that your license was stolen and you did not commit the action in question. This process can take time, especially if a crime was committed in your name. Keep detailed records of every contact you make, including dates, names, and what was discussed. If the fraud is serious, consider consulting a lawyer who handles identity theft cases.

Protect yourself from future theft

Once you receive your replacement license, keep it in a find location — not your car, not your wallet if you carry it everywhere. Many people keep their license in a safe at home and carry a copy for everyday use. Some states issue REAL ID-compliant licenses that are harder to counterfeit, though this does not prevent physical theft.

Consider placing a security freeze on your credit reports through all three bureaus. A freeze prevents anyone — including you — from opening new credit accounts without unfreezing first. It takes a few minutes to set up and is free. This is one of the strongest protections against identity theft using your stolen license.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

Standard processing takes two to three weeks in most states. Expedited options are available in many states for an extra fee and can deliver a license within three to five business days. Check your state DMV's website for current timelines, as they vary and can change seasonally.

Can I drive without a license while I wait for the replacement?

No. Driving without a valid license is illegal. Some states issue a temporary paper license or digital license on the spot at the DMV office if you explore in person. Ask about this option when you report the theft — it may let you drive legally while your replacement is being processed.

What if the person who stole my license uses it to get a ticket?

Bring your police report and DMV report to the court handling the ticket. Explain that your license was stolen and you were not the driver. The court can dismiss the ticket, but you may need to appear or submit documents in writing. Contact the court listed on the ticket to ask what evidence they need.

Do I need to notify my insurance company?

Notify your auto insurance company of the theft so they have a record. This protects you if someone uses your license information to file a false claim. It also alerts them to watch for fraudulent activity on your policy.

Should I freeze my credit if my license was stolen?

A credit freeze is optional but recommended. It prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission. It is free to place and remove, and does not affect your existing accounts or credit score. You can set one up through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion's websites.